The Baltimore Ravens get a rare chance to host a primetime game, taking on the New York Jets on Thursday to kick off Week 15. What had looked like an interesting matchup to start the season thanks to some players swapping sides over the offseason is now looking like a bloodbath in waiting.
It seems like no one is expecting New York to make this game even close, much less giving them a chance to win. But for anyone needing more reasons to expect a Ravens victory this week, here you go.
It’s the Ravens
Baltimore currently sits at the top of the power rankings for good reason. They feature one of the best defenses in the league right now and the most points scored on offense. They’ve beaten the best teams from both the AFC and NFC and have won nine straight games to get to this point. Not only have the Ravens won a bunch, they’ve blown out some really good teams that are expected to find their way to the postseason.
Anyone going into any week not expecting Baltimore to win simply hasn’t been paying very much attention.
It’s the Jets
Any team in the NFL is a dangerous one and I’d hope Baltimore isn’t overlooking New York. But the Jets are 5-8 for a reason and it’s because they just aren’t very good right now. They’re building towards something but they’re inconsistent, turn the ball over frequently while rarely notching any takeaways of their own, and are badly beat up at this point in the season.
All of that is a terrible recipe for any team to win, regardless of the competition. But on the road against the Ravens and it’s pretty clear Baltimore should be the favorites just like oddsmakers have them.
Ravens are best under the lights
While Baltimore might not get very much love in primetime, they hold the best record in those games since 2008 under coach John Harbaugh. Their 13-1 (.929) record, including 11 straight primetime wins, beats both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. When looking at just Thursday Night Football games, the Ravens get even better, going a perfect 6-0 since 2008.
But it’s not just that Baltimore wins in these situations, they dominate, especially when at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens have outscored opponents 378-191 in home primetime games under Harbaugh.
It seems when the whole world is watching, Baltimore shows up.
The (eventual) MVP
One of the biggest keys all season long has been quarterback Lamar Jackson and that doesn’t change this week.
Teams have struggled to figure out this offense and how to stop Jackson. Even when players have him dead-to-rights in the middle of the field, he’s made them look like fools. It’s the reason why Jackson is the frontrunner for the NFL’s MVP award and why Baltimore’s offense has flourished this season.
Against some of the best defenses in the league, Jackson has worked his magic to keep drives alive and put points on the board. But against a defense that is a little beat up and inconsistent to begin with, Jackson should be licking his chops for yet another perfect game this season.
